What do birthday parties, police detectives and an ill-tempered grandpa all have in common?
They are combined in Clover Garden School’s first-ever theater production, “Happy Birthday, Dear Grandpa.”
Witness a cast of quirky characters as three young-adult grandkids become murder suspects at their grandpa’s birthday party.
Showtimes are at 7 p.m. May 2-3, 2019, at Stony Creek Presbyterian Church, 2140 Stoney Creek Church Road, Burlington.
The show is directed by Sheryl Morris, who serves as the theatre instructor and director of the Clover Garden School Choir.
Morris took on the additional role of theatre instructor in the 2017–2018 academic school year when theatre was added as an elective option for middle school and high school students. Morris said she is proud of the expanding arts program at Clover Garden School and anticipates student interest to grow after a successful 2018-2019 year.
The cast of comedic characters is played by students ranging from middle school to high school.
A few of the actors took time out of their busy schedules to talk about the show:
“I like becoming someone else and trying out a new role that I’ve never taken before,” said junior Elisabeth Sharpe (Mrs. Kelly).
“It’s fun seeing people come out of their shells and get creative,” said senior Hunter McKenzie (Kailey Hartley).
“I have learned when doing a play, you have to take responsibility for yourself. You anticipate class every day and always have fun, but you have to do the work,” said senior Autumn Perkins (Amber Hartley).
“Theatre helps me with my confidence by allowing me to express my ideas and opinions and get feedback on them. It also helps me see my ideas become reality,” said junior Lillian Sharpe (police officer).

Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at the door. For more information, call 336-586-9440.